Previous deals between Warner Bros. and Netflix covered only older shows. This new deal will not only make available the initial titles but will make it possible for future Warner Bros. properties to be included on the streaming site.

The deal also allows Warner Bros. to keep the syndication rights for its programs, so viewers without Netflix still have the chance to watch old favorites on television.

Netflix's chief content officer,
Ted Sarandos, made the following statement on the deal: "This unprecedented agreement brings to Netflix members earlier and more exclusively than ever before complete previous seasons of some of the most prominent and successful shows on network and cable television."

Warner Bros. Television Group president
Bruce Rosenblum added: "SVOD [streaming video on demand] has become an important window for our serialized dramas, allowing viewers a chance to discover a series that before might have been intimidating to tune into mid-run. We continue to adapt our business models to include SVOD when it makes sense for the long-term value of each show and are thrilled to have Netflix as one of our distribution partners."

The announcement did not divulge financial terms or when the programs would begin to appear on Netflix.